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Chairman Xavier Becerra on Senate Background Check Vote

April 17, 2013

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement after gun violence prevention legislation which would expand background checks, failed by a vote of 54 to 46 in the United States Senate:

“When 90 percent of the American public supports universal background checks, it’s time to act. What are we waiting for? Unfortunately, a minority of Senators blocked the bipartisan measure using the procedural filibuster showing how out of touch and extreme they are.

“The Senate should not turn its back on the victims and families across the country affected by gun violence. Congress must perform its duty and do everything it can to protect our families and communities. This means passing common sense measures to keep dangerous firearms out of the hands of dangerous people. The failure of the Senate to do so is very disappointing.”